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What is (CGM) Continuous Glucose Monitoring?

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is a method to track glucose levels throughout the day and night. CGM systems take glucose measurements at regular intervals, 24 hours a day, and translate the readings into dynamic data, generating glucose direction and rate of change reports.

Having this context helps CGM users proactively manage glucose highs and lows, plus gives added insight into impacts that meals, exercise and illness may have on an individual’s glucose levels. CGM can also contribute to better diabetes management by helping to minimize the guesswork that comes with making treatment decisions* based solely on a number from a blood glucose meter reading.

Studies have shown that some CGM systems may help reduce A1C levels and reduce the risk for hypoglycemia, whether users are on insulin injections or pump therapy.1

How does CGM work?

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems track glucose levels throughout the day. CGM users insert a tiny sensor wire just under their skin using an automatic applicator. An adhesive patch holds the CGM sensor housing in place so the sensor can measure glucose readings in interstitial fluid throughout the day and night.

A small, reusable transmitter connects to the sensor wire and sends real-time readings wirelessly to a receiver, so the user can view the information. With some systems, a compatible smart device with the CGM system app can serve as the display device. The receiver or compatible smart device displays current glucose levels, as well as historical trends in levels. The CGM receiver and/or compatible smart device can also be set to send custom alerts to the user when certain glucose thresholds are reached.

The Benefits of CGM

Unlike a blood glucose meter (BGM), which provides just a single glucose reading, CGM systems can provide real-time, dynamic glucose information every five minutes — up to 288 readings in a 24-hour period. You can gain valuable insight about your glucose levels, rate and direction of change, giving you additional insight to proactively manage your diabetes.

A1C Reduction

CGM has proven to be the best outpatient glycemic management system for reducing A1C. Type 1 diabetics experience an average A1C reduction of 1.3%.**2

Reduced Hypoglycemia

Not only can CGM use reduce A1C, numerous studies have shown it can also decrease your time spent in hypoglycemia.1-3

Active Monitoring at Night

The Dexcom CGM system is equipped with alerts that can warn you of approaching lows and highs.

Components of the Dexcom CGM

The Dexcom CGM System consists of three parts:

1. a small sensor that measures glucose levels just underneath the skin2. a transmitter that fits onto the sensor and sends data wirelessly to your display device3. a small receiver or compatible smart device† that displays real-time glucose information‡

The Dexcom CGM also provides customizable alerts to warn the wearer of approaching glucose highs and lows.

Take a deeper dive

Dive into the select CGM episodes below to learn more about the value and benefits of CGM.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring: The basics

How the Dexcom CGM Works

The Benefits of Dexcom CGM

Taking the Next Step with Dexcom CGM

8 Reasons to Get Dexcom CGM

Who Should use a CGM

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and American College of Endocrinology (ACE) published guidelines2 that recommend:

Patients with type 1 diabetes may benefit from using a Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) system.

Failure to use the Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (G6) and its components according to the instructions for use provided with your device and available at https://www.dexcom.com/safety-information and to properly consider all indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and cautions in those instructions for use may result in you missing a severe hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) occurrence and/or making a treatment decision that may result in injury. If your glucose alerts and readings from the G6 do not match symptoms or expectations or you’re taking over the recommended maximum dosage amount of 1000mg of acetaminophen every 6 hours, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions. Seek medical advice and attention when appropriate, including for any medical emergency.